Gordon is the closer. Madson probably won't even be in the bullpen, the Phillies have said that it's most likely Madson is going into the rotation. The main reason for this is the cost of starting pitchers, it will be easier, and cheaper for the Phillies to acquire a reliever.

Talyn wrote:Gordon is the closer. Madson probably won't even be in the bullpen, the Phillies have said that it's most likely Madson is going into the rotation. The main reason for this is the cost of starting pitchers, it will be easier, and cheaper for the Phillies to acquire a reliever.

I agree with Talyn here. I think that Gordon will be the closer and the Phils want to put Madson into the rotation. The problem is that their bullpen is really thin and they haven't been able to pick up any middle relievers to fill out the pen. Fultz is their lefty set-up man right now which is just ugly. The Phils were supposedly interested in Looper until he signed with the Cards. It will be interesting to see what GIllick does over the next couple of months but Gordon is definitely the closer for now.

Gordon was looking for a spot where he could close. If not for that I think he would have stayed with the Yanks. I don't expect Madsen to start though, I think Cole Hamels will beat him for the last spot and Madsen will go back to the pen.

Just today, Rotoworld was reporting that the Phils' plan is to have Madson, Robinson Tejeda, and Cole Hamels all compete for the 5th slot in the rotation. Gordon will be their closer, at least to start the season.

bronxxbomber wrote:Gordon was looking for a spot where he could close. If not for that I think he would have stayed with the Yanks. I don't expect Madsen to start though, I think Cole Hamels will beat him for the last spot and Madsen will go back to the pen.

Cole is going to spend another half year in the minors. Madsen into the rotation is a strong possibility, Gordon closing is a certainty.